DC Police Allow Sikh Officers To Wear Beards And Turbans

WASHINGTON (CBSDC/AP) — Sikh American police officers in the nation’s capital can wear the turbans and flowing beards associated with their religion under a policy announced Wednesday by the D.C. police department.

Sikh community leaders said they know of no other major metropolitan police department with a written order ensuring that Sikh officers can maintain their appearance, though other law enforcement agencies have made less formal accommodations.

The change will have minimal practical effect, at least initially. The department’s only Sikh officer is a reserve who is scheduled to graduate from the academy in August.

However, advocates for Sikh rights said it is significant.

“I think it’s a step forward not only for civil rights and religious freedom, I think it’s a step forward for law enforcement,” said Jasjit Singh, executive director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, which pushed for the change. He said the public…